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Is solo female travel lonely? This is a very personal question. Honestly! For me this ties into being an introvert or extrovert.
The reality of traveling alone for me is great as I love spending time with myself and enjoy my own company.
There have been a handful of times where I have been very overwhelmed and I wish I had someone to help me with my bags or someone to run and ask for directions while I wait with belongings, but you know what, in those 5 minutes of frustration, I took deep breaths and am stronger because of it.
Those moments are far and few between on my trips. I have learned that you really can’t become frustrated by things you can’t control (which is 99% of life), so you do have to just go with the flow and learn to enjoy every moment. To me that is part of solo female travel, exploring and living in the adventure.
Learning about other cultures and embracing them. I also have learned that around the world solo female travel is very common. It is just seen as more of a stigma in the US (although it has become more normalized in the last few years).
Are you an introvert or extrovert
In my opinion, I think this plays a big part of how lonely people get. If you don’t know which one you are, I highly suggest taking a quick test to find out.
As I have gotten older I have become more of an introvert. On a test I do rank as an extroverted introvert.
Don’t get me wrong I love being around people and meeting new people but I am also fine by myself which is why solo female travel suits me so well (and also why I wasn’t depressed during lockdown!)
Most of my friends are extroverts but they have made comments that as we get older they do relate more to the introverted side of themselves as well.
According to this article, introverts will enjoy traveling alone and will take pleasure in the small experiences in their journeys. Which is why I think its important to understand if you are an introvert or an extrovert first and then you will know how solo female travel will affect you!
Homesickness
Growing up we moved so many times I didn’t know where home was. However, whenever I went to camp I always felt homesick.
So I do understand the feeling of homesickness it may not be for a particular place (although for some people it is) it can be a feeling, person, animal, favorite restaurant, etc.
According to WebMD, Homesickness is is the feeling of emotional distress when you’re away from home and in a new and unfamiliar environment.
This article provides interesting information on homesickness and how it affects the human body and brain.
Tips on How to Handle Homesickness
One of my favorite apps, Calm.com which I use as my on the go white noise machine and daily guided meditation also provides some guidance on how to handle homesickness.
They recommend 8 steps: Talking with someone, getting back into a normal routine, get involved with the community, staying active, keeping a journal, making your space feel like you, get to know your new home and practice mindfulness
How to avoid feeling lonely abroad
Plan your activities
Spend some time, sit down and research all of the activities there are in your new area. Are there any festivals or special events going on?
Perhaps make a calendar of events so you always know what is happening and what to look forward to.
Go on small group trip/day trips every few days
I love going on tours or even day trips. Not only does it alleviate some of the planning on the trip, but it’s honestly such a great way to meet people.
I have made great friends from all over the world (many of whom I still am in touch with today) in tours or classes.
My go to first day activity in a new location is usually a food tour or a cooking class. Food is the best way to learn a culture! So why not dive in- learn about the culture and a chance to meet new people!
How to meet people while traveling solo
I touched on this briefly above, but going on organized tours is a great way. Most cities also offer “free” walking tours. I say “free” because you are expected to “tip” at the end (which by the way is well deserved) but it ends up costing the same amount as a regular tour.
Depending how long you are in a location, there are additional options on how you can meet other people.
Immerse yourself in the culture
Take local classes
Look into local classes like language classes, fitness classes, calligraphy, painting, university. Find something that interests you and sign up for a class.
This will keep you interested and engaged and you will find others who share your passions.
If you are only going to be spending a few days in the location, I would recommend group tours or looking for volunteer opportunities online.
If you are only going to be spending a few weeks in a location, I would check the internet for all the local activities going on while you are in town. If there are any festivals, special events, or volunteer opportunities.
Volunteering is a great way to get immersed in the culture and give back to the community and meet new people at the same time
If you are going to be spending a few months in a location, enrolling yourself in a class is a great way to meet people.
Whether it’s language class, a class at the local university or something you are passionate about, like painting, pottery, etc.
Knowing you will be going to the same place multiple times a week with the same people opens up the doors to building relationships
It’s all about perception
WHO CARES WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS!
Ways to beat feeling lonely as a solo female traveler
Learn to enjoy spending time alone
Plan ahead
Bring a piece of home with you. This can be a picture, an album, blanket, stuffed animal, etc. Something that reminds you of home.
Make time to call family or friends
Depending on the time difference, set up a time with family or friends to do a FaceTime or phone call on certain days of the week so you both have something to look forward to
Buy postcards and Write letters home
These are dual purpose: It keeps you in touch with your family and friends and its a souvenir for them from your travels.
Go to a spot where digital nomads work
Google digital nomad work spaces in the city you are in, chances are they have coworking spaces or meet ups. It’s a great place to meet other like minded individuals from around the world who are in the same location you are.
Meetup.com
Go on Meetup.com and check out the local activities. This is a great way to keep up with activities you are passionate about, say hiking, and explore them locally and with others who have the same passions.
You have the chance to meet locals or other travelers.
Check out TimeOut.Com
This is one of my favorite resources as it always has the latest festivals, events, actives that are going on in the city.
Workout Class
If you are into fitness, book a fitness class. This not only is a way to be around other people, it will get your endorphins going.
What if you are still homesick?
Depending on your level of anxiety or depression, there is a chance that none of the above could help.
I am by no means a doctor, but I know sometimes I just need something new because I am bored so I would try my suggestions below, but also talk to a professional.
Change Locations
Perhaps new scenery is what you are looking for. Is there another city you have been wanting to check out?
Are you able to leave your accommodation without a penalty? If not, maybe take a long weekend away or a week away to another location for a change. Mix things up for a chance to reset and “start over”
Change your Travel Style
How have you been traveling? Are you the slow traveling type or are you doing a million things every day? Whichever you are- let’s try doing the complete opposite.
I know whenever I need a reset, a day at the spa or a massage usually does the trick! But everyone has their own preferences!
Do something completely out of your comfort zone
But…stay safe!
… its time to go home!
It’s not failure
Going home is not a failure. Do you know how many people say to me I don’t understand how you can travel alone?
They always complain they want to travel more but they have no one to go with, because their partners or friends don’t want to travel, I keep telling them to go alone, but they are scared or won’t.
For whatever reason, they will not give solo female travel a chance. YOU DID! So going home is not a failure.
You did what many people can not!
